Bruno Fernandes explains why he takes risks

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Photo: Imago

Bruno Fernandes explains why he takes risks

Faruq Ibrahim 09:33 - 19.12.2025

Manchester United's midfielder Bruno Fernandes provided some insight into his style of play.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes recently explained why he has a penchant for taking risks on a football pitch, amid criticism that his pass completion rate is too low for a midfielder. 

The 31-year-old Portugal international has been talismanic for the Red Devils this season—a consistent theme of his career at Old Trafford—with five goals and seven assists this campaign. 

Despite his immense contribution, he has faced wanton criticism for his style of play and temperament. Specifically, for his adventurous passes, which tend to lead to turnovers. 

What Bruno said 

During a recent interview with former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, Bruno provided some insights into his appetite for risk. 

The former Sporting CP midfielder came into the Red Devils setup as an attacking midfielder and he played his first years at the club in that position. However, under Amorim, he has been pushed deeper into positions that require more care on the ball. 

Bruno Fernandes: Cut Out the Laziness

While Bruno now shows a lot more control and care for possession, he is still a verticality-inclined footballer who looks to advance play at any chance. 

"If I was smart I wouldn't take risks,” Bruno explained. “Risks can bring rewards or the other side of that. If I don't take risks, no one will ever say Bruno has lost the ball. I will just play the ball side-to-side and backwards.

"But I am not a safe player because I know if I start doing that, I will not be helping the team. I take the risk because I want to help Josh [Zirkzee] and Ben [Šeško] to score goals. I want to help Cunha, Mason [Mount], Bryan [Mbeumo], Amad."